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Members’ News The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Mar/Apr 2015 Grizzly Arrive at Betty and Veronica, the fi rst residents of a new grizzly exhibit at the . escued grizzly bears have found a new home at the Betty and Veronica were rescued separately in - RCentral Park Zoo, in a completely remodeled hab- tana and Yellowstone National Park in . itat formerly occupied by the zoo’s polar bears. The Both had become too accustomed to and fi rst two grizzlies to move into the new exhibit, Betty were considered a danger to people by local authori- and Veronica, have been companions at WCS’s Bronx ties. Of the three bears that arrived in 2013, two are Zoo since 1995. siblings whose mother was illegally shot, and the third is an unrelated bear whose mother was euthanized by

A Home for Bears wildlife offi cials after repeatedly foraging for food in a Photos: Julie Larsen Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society The WCS parks are currently home to nine rescued residential area. brown bears, all of whom share a common story: they “While we are saddened that the bears were - had come into confl ict phaned, we are pleased WCS is able to provide a home with humans in for these beautiful animals that would not have been the wild. able to survive in the wild on their own,” said Director of WCS City Craig Piper. “We look forward to sharing their stories, which will certainly endear them in the hearts of New Yorkers. Our goal is to help peo- ple better understand how to safely coexist with bears when visiting or living in bear country.” Signifi cant portions of the Central Park Zoo bear ex- hibit renovations were made possible thanks to the gen- erous support and love for animals of Sandra de Roulet.

Helping Bears in the Wild WCS conservationists are working with local communities in the Adirondacks and the American West to promote / bear coexistence, including educating people who live in areas with dense bear populations on proper food storage and trash disposal, so that bears don’t become reliant on human food and instead forage in wild areas. To learn more about WCS’s efforts to protect wild bears, please visit wcs.org. 1 A Touch of the Tropics at the Zoo

wo tropical lettered aracaris have made their de- Tbut at WCS’s . This small spe- cies of toucan, native to South America, is known for its strikingly colorful plumage, compact body, and working in the large bill. The lettered aracari weighs approximately fi eld to miti- four ounces and reaches about 12 inches in length as gate these adult. They are social animals that generally roost in challenges hollowed out trees with other adults and their fl edg- and protect the area’s most ecologically ing offspring. intact wild places, including the Amazon The lettered aracari is native to the moist lowland Basin where toucans live. forests and of Ecuador, , Columbia, The Prospect Park Zoo is home to several other Bolivia, and Peru. While not endangered, the ’s tropical and sub-tropical , including Victo- natural habitat is facing serious threats from habi- ria crowned pigeons, scarlet ibises, and peafowl. tat fragmentation, climate change, and other factors. On your next trip to the zoo, visit the lettered WCS’s Latin America and Caribbean Program is aracaris in the zoo’s Animal Lifestyles building. Harbor Seals Return to Central Park Zoo wo young harbor seals have in more than 15 years. Though fi n exhibits. The harbor seals are Tarrived at WCS’s Central Park not endangered, harbor seals immediately distinguishable from Zoo. The two male seals, Adam are protected under the Marine their cousins in the sea pool. and Anson, were born at WCS’s Protection Act. They Both seals and sea are mem- Aquarium. This spe- are abundant off the of New bers of the pinniped family, but cies has not been exhibited at the York City and Long Island. they look and move differently. Central Park Zoo since 2011. The Harbor seals lack the external ear new arrivals are still juveniles; as Seals or Sea Lions? fl aps found on sea lions, and have adults they could reach up to 250 The two seals at Central Park more tubular bodies with spotted pounds each. They are the fi rst Zoo are in the pool adjacent to coats that can range in color from harbor seals born at the aquarium the Polar Circle and puf- silver to dark brown or black. Sea lions are more agile on land since they can support their weight with their front fl ippers, on which they can even “walk” for short distances. On land, harbor seals move more like caterpillars. In the water, both are excellent swimmers but sea lions propel themselves with strong front fl ip- pers while harbor seals use pow- erful hind fl ippers. On your next visit to Central Park Zoo, you’ll have the chance to compare these aquatic and observe the differences between the two spe- cies fi rst-hand. Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie Photos:

2 Mornings at the Zoo 2015 Monthly Events for Conservation-Level Members

he 2015 Mornings at the Zoo series begins in April! This Tseries of special events is open to WCS Members at the Conservation Supporter level and above. Join us before the zoo opens for a look at some spectacular animals and exhibits, and the opportunity to gain an insider’s understanding of wildlife conservation and animal care. Central Park Zoo Scavenger Hunt Sun., 4/12 at 9am at the Central Park Zoo Embark on an educational and fun-fi lled Central Park Zoo scav- enger hunt where you’ll come face-to-face with amazing animals, learn some wildlife secrets, and win great prizes! You’ll encounter sea lions, snow , , red pandas, and much more; your quest will take you throughout the zoo and teach you about many of your favorite animals. Meet in front of the snow monkey exhibit. Light refreshments served. Smart phone or digital camera recommended. Not a Conservation-Level Member? Mornings at the Zoo events are open only to Members at the Con-

servation Supporter level and above. If you are not at Conserva- Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS tion-level Member and would like to attend, you can join, renew, or upgrade your Membership today by calling 718-220-5112. Con- servation-level Membership starts at the $295 Conservation Sup- porter Level. Pre-registration required! Please visit bronxzoo.com/morningsatthezoo to reserve your spot. Reservations open approximately 60 days prior to each event.

There Are Many Ways to Save Wildlife In addition to making a one-time donation, there are many ways that you can be a part of WCS’s mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide. Give Monthly Become a Wildlife Protector and Become a Conservation Patron provide ongoing monthly support to save the world’s most Support 500 conservation projects in 60 magnifi cent wildlife and wild places. You can make a countries, and enjoy exclusive access difference for as little as $5 per month. Please visit wcs. to panel discussions, special events,

org/wildlifeprotectors for more info. and tours. For more information, visit Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Leave a Legacy Designate the Wildlife Conservation wcs.org/patrons or call 718-220-5085. Society as a benefi ciary in your will or of your individual Give a Matching Gift Employees retirement account or life insurance policy. Your legacy can double or triple the value of their Twogift willindividual enable animals WCS to from protect an as-of-yet wildlife unnamed and the spaces donations to WCS through their company’s speciesthey inhabit of humpback for many years into the come. waters To offlearn northern more, matching gift program. Please see your .please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at company’s personnel offi ce for details. [email protected] or 718-741-1628. 3 A Rare Toad Returns to

Puerto Rican crested toads are brown to yellow-brown in color and covered with warts and blackish spines. CS’s Zoo has successfully bred critical- Travelling Tadpoles Wly-endangered Puerto Rican crested toads for reintroduction to their native habitat. The zoo began The tadpoles were sent to Puerto Rico where biolo- breeding the species in 2014 as part of a collaborative gists from the Caribbean Ecological Services and the effort with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmen- boost the wild population. tal Resources introduced them to their low-lying rocky habitats. Breeding Behind the Scenes The greatest threats affecting the Puerto Rican The successful breeding of this crested toad are human-related and include habitat is an example of the conservation work that goes on loss and the introduction of the invasive giant toad. behind the scenes every day at the WCS zoos and The wild population fl uctuates between 1,000 to aquarium. In to encourage the toads to repro- 3,000 adult toads, all of which are found in Guánica duce, WCS staff had to recreate complex National Forest on the natural conditions. The males and females were sepa- southern coast of rated and placed in enclosures that mimic the environ- Puerto Rico. It ment and seasonal changes they would experience in is hoped that the wild. These environmental variations are impor- the Queens tant to the regular reproductive cycle of the species. Zoo tad- In the wild, breeding takes place during the rainy sea- poles will son, so the males were introduced to females in enclo- provided sures equipped with misting chambers. Recorded toad a much- breeding calls were played in the background to stimu- needed late courtship and mating. boost to The male toad clings to the back of the female in a the wild process called amplexus until she lays eggs, with tad- population. poles from the fertilized eggs 24 hours later. Thousands of Approximately 2,400 tadpoles were produced from newly-hatched

Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie Photos: the propagation efforts at the . tadpoles have been sent to Puerto Rico for introduction into the wild.

SAVE 2015 WCS MEMBERS’ EVENINGS THE AT ZOO DATES Thursday, July 16 & Tuesday, July 21 Saturday,Saturday, MayMay 9th9th 4 Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS . 5 Member Discount, Prizes, and More Discount, Prizes, Member WCS Members register may participate to the at discounted rates of $35 for adults, and $30 for children seniors. There is fundraising a $30 for adults requirement participation the to addition in is there fee; no fundraising Participants under 15. for children requirement can earn fundraising ranging from prizes t-shirts, plush to , breakfast. experiences, a VIP special animal even and

at theat

Saturday,

Presenting Sponsor Supporting Sponsor Media Partner Media Sponsor Supporting Sponsor Presenting

April 25th 2015

for Gorillas for

Join the Join Virtual Run gorillas save can help still be person?Can’t in there You from other animals and poaching. and visit us can join as you a virtual how learn runner, To wcsrunforthewild.org. Make Tracks Tracks Make oin the usBronxat Aprilthe Zoo25th for seventh annual Saturday, on WCSRun the for Wild,a 5k run/walk dedicated the to majestic gorillas Africa. of The festivities and begin feature pre- plenty 7am and of post-run at

wildlife a fi ghting chance survival. for Please run, www.wcsrunforthewild.org walk, at today wildlife donate or a fi Wild, you’ll help WCS continue to enhance WCS continue to help Wild, our ecoguard you’ll programs, poaching, reduce and gorillas give and other fun,including face painting,music, warm-ups, prizes, giveaways, andactivities. participatingBy inRun the for J FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMS REGISTRATION INFO ONE number for all four WCS zoos! Please note that ALL WCS Education Programs require 1-800-433-4149 pre-registration and payment. Contact us to reserve (BZ): [email protected] your spot as soon as possible. Central Park Zoo (CPZ): [email protected] Family and Youth Programs: wcs.org/programs Prospect Park Zoo (PPZ): [email protected] Tours and School Programs: wcs.org/schools Queens Zoo (QZ): [email protected] Birthday Parties: wcs.org/birthday Volunteer Opportunities: wcs.org/volunteer (AQ): 718-265-3457 Members [email protected] Educators: wcs.org/teacherpd receive Professional Development: 718-220-5136 Camps: wcs.org/camps discounts [email protected] on most programs! FAMILY PROGRAMS Visit http://www.wcs.org/programs for more information, and to register for all WCS Family programs below! Family Overnights at Bronx and Queens Zoos Join us for the fi rst overnights of the season! Have you ever wondered what you can see in the zoo after hours? You & your family will be treated to fun-fi lled activities throughout the zoo, and meet some of our animals up close. Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, & picnic dinner. Beverages, dessert, late-night snack, & breakfast will be pro- vided. No need for alarm clocks, our vocal sea lions will provide the wake-up call. May 2-3 at BZ, May 16-17 at QZ. Prices and ages vary. Discount available for BZ overnight ONLY. Caregiver and Me Class Series Programs At all of the WCS zoos, we have programs that are developmentally appropriate and designed to engage our budding animal lovers in a variety of activities. All programs include live animal encounters, move- ment activities, crafts, exhibit visits, and storytelling. Little Hatchlings for 10 month-23 month olds at CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Toddlers/Toddler Time for 2-3 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Kinders/Kinder Kritters for 4-5 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ & QZ. Family Fun Day – “Zoos Go Blue” at Central Park Zoo Autism Awareness Day Join us for a day of fun for the whole family at the zoo! WCS wel- comes families affected by autism to enjoy an early opening of the zoo along with visual support materials to prepare for the visit. The day will feature exhibit visits, sensory stations, crafts, and other ac- tivities. Monday, April 6th. Sharkarama at the New York Aquarium Sharks are the ocean’s top predator, though they have a fearsome repu- tation. Help us celebrate these misunderstood creatures of the sea that have survived hundreds of millions of years in the open waters but now are threatened with . Feeling brave? Join us to learn what makes each shark unique; explore shark skins, jaws, and fi ns; prowl behind-the-scenes to visit our sharks and make cool crafts in honor of sharks to take home. Sunday, March 22nd, 2015, Ages 9 to 11. Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

6 FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMS

YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS ADULT PROGRAMS Spring Break Camp at Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Photography at Queens Zoo Central Park Zoo Spend spring break at the zoo! Each day, campers will Learn what it takes to be a play animal-themed games, make critter-y crafts, meet wildlife photographer. Experts some of our animals and more! QZ: April 6-10, CPZ: from the fi eld and our resident April 7-10. Grades Pre-K-2nd, or 3rd-5th (QZ only). photographer will share some Visit wcs.org/camp for more information. tips and techniques for capturing the perfect shot. You’ll get a Summer Zoo Camp 2015 chance to take photos of the From toddlers to teens, we have unique summer camp animals before the zoo opens experiences for all ages at our zoos and aquarium! Most and chat with the keepers about camps are Monday through Friday, times vary between what it’s like to work with these ages and facilities. Registration is open, and space is amazing creatures. Enjoy coffee limited- reserve your child’s spot at www.wcs.org/camp and pastries before you head out today! into the zoo to start snapping photos. Personal camera required. Teen Volunteering Opportunities 2015 – Saturday, April 18th. Bronx Zoo, Prospect Zoo, Central Park Zoo and New York Aquarium Onsite Professional We’re looking for teen volunteers who are passionate about conservation, animals, and education. Our Development Programs volunteers teach visitors about conservation, interpret The Education Division of WCS exhibits, help with offers teacher courses throughout events, and much the year, on weekends as well more. Deadlines and as during vacations, at all fi ve age requirements WCS parks across the city. All vary by institution. courses can be taken for graduate Applications are now credits or P credits from the NYC being accepted for Department of Education. For Spring interviews. Visit more information, visit http:// wcs.org/volunteer for www.wcs.org/teachers/teacherpd/ more information and or call 718-220-5136. Discounts to apply. available for Members!

The WCS Education Department has a new account: Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS @WCSEducation The channel will feature upcoming WCS Education programs, live tweets from camps and conferences, Nature Play activities to do at home, and ways that people can help in the wildlife conservation movement. We will also include environmental and conservation news and fun animal facts. We hope that you will follow @WCSEducation to find out about upcoming Educational programs.

7 NON-PROFIT ORG. Help Save U.S. POSTAGE Members’ News Wildlife and PAID Wildlife Conservation Society LONG PRAIRIE, MN 2300 Southern Boulevard Wild Places PERMIT NO. 939 Bronx, NY 10460 www.wcs.org

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Members’ News

Mar/Apr 2015 what’s inside 1 Grizzly Bears Debut at Central Park Zoo 2 A Touch of the Tropics at the Prospect Park Zoo Harbor Seals Return to Central Park Zoo Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie Photo: 3 Mornings at the Zoo 4 A Rare Toad Returns to Puerto Rico 5 WCS Run for the Wild Escape the late winter chill and head into the Bronx Zoo’s 6 Family, Youth, and Zoo Center to warm up with the Komodo . Adult Programs MEMBERS’ NEWS STAFF: Editor/Writer: Tal Aviezer Photographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise noted Designer: Dot Payne Thanks to Allison Hague, Denise McClean,8 Max Pulsinelli, and Barbara Russo.